The ease of communication these day across barriers that used to divide people has truly made the world, including the Buffalo Chip World, a smaller place. Friends who used to meet at the Chip for a reunion once a year now keep in touch weekly or even daily via electronic media. Stronger connections have only made the family a tighter, more cohesive unit, and that’s a good thing. If you follow motorcycle trends, you know that custom motorcycle design has exploded world wide in similar fashion. Builders now trade influence across geographic and cultural lines as never before. Where once there were Bay Area Frisco-style bikes and Midwest chops with coffin tanks and tiller bars, custom building has now literally gone global. The Motorcycles as Art exhibit, hosted each year at the Buffalo Chips Russ Brown Event Center, is a perfect example of how custom building has become a worldwide phenomenon. According to curator of the show Michael Lichter, “The interest in custom Harleys, especially in Japan, is huge and exciting. Every year it gets stronger and stronger.” It’s interesting to see styling trends move across the pond being absorbed and reconfigured, then coming back to influence the American builders they started with. Shows such as Moon Eyes in Yokohama, Moto Expo in Verona

and the custom event in Norrtelje, Sweden are expanding the ties between custom builders. “Builders constantly look for inspiration and the spark might now come from anywhere,” said Lichter, who included bikes from Kenji “Ken” Nagai (Ken’s Factory, Japan) and Michael O’Shea (Medaza Cycles, Ireland) in

the 2014 show. International influence was apparent elsewhere at the Buffalo Chip this year as Japanese rockers and riders MMS attended the Rally and performed. The band members were thrilled to be at the Sturgis Rally and in

SturgiS rider daily®

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SturgiS Buffalo Chip’SWolfman JaCk Stage

TonighT10:30pm .......... Cheap Trick8:30pm ............ The Pretty Reckless7:00pm ............ Sweet Cyanide

Tomorrow10:30pm .......... Buckcherry8:30pm ............ Sevendust7:00pm ............ A Course of Action

7 8friday

aug. 8, 2014

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Friday8/8

Saturday8/9

Sturgis Local Weather

don’t miSSSturgis Rider Sweeps Winner

Page 16Epic Freedom Celebration

Page 8 & 9 Extreme ATV Racing Today @PSC

Page 12Who Won the Rats Hole Show?

Page 13

today’S rideIron Mt. Road & Needles

HighwayPage 6

Cheap triCkthe pretty reCkleSS

SWeet Cyanide

international flavorthe Chip goeS gloBal

Sunday8/10

It was a spectacle on the Chip’s main stage last night as well-known Chinese actor Li Chen took delivery of a Jesse James custom motorcycle from the man himself.

particular at the Buffalo Chip where they got a serious taste of biker lifestyle American style. Their attitude and enthusiasm was palpable and it definitely translated to the crowd, even if their song lyrics may not have. Plenty of Canadian riders come to the Sturgis Rally, and that’s nothing new. But visitors from much further away were present this year: a contingent of film stars from Beijing, China brought film crews and a sizable entourage to the Chip. Builder Jesse James, who was at the Chip this year, too, brought along a new custom bike he’d built for Chinese movie star Li Chen which was presented to its new owner on the Chip’s main stage and filmed for Chinese TV. This was a first for the Rally and it may be indicative of the pervasive appeal of Harley-Davidsons around the world. It’s certainly growing more evident. Not all international influence is coming to America. Displayed at the Crossroads this year was Mike Tomas of Kiwi Indian Motorcycles, who was at the Rally to announce his Round The World (RTW) tour, soon to begin. (See story page 4.) A U.S. citizen originally from New Zealand, Mike and his riding buddy Greg Johnson will make their first foray into

international adventure travel down under. They plan to continue visiting other counties in four to six week jaunts until they cover the globe or decide to stop; whichever comes first. From their determined attitudes, we’d bet on the former before the latter. There’s no question, motorcycles can be a bond that brings otherwise unlikely people

together and makes them friends. As American bikers we know this is true. As the world compacts, we may be on the edge of discovering that motorcycles also have the power to bind at much greater distances.

SturgiS rider daily friday, aug. 8, 2014 page 2

ALLWEEKNEXTTO

REPORTING FOR

GRILLING

COME SEE

General Wesley ClarkatThe Buffalo Chip onThursday Night

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Hard Rockers MMS, from Japan, are also hard riders on Harleys, which offers solid street cred in their country.

Chinese mega-star Li Chen reached out halfway across the world to get a custom bike designed and built by Jesse James.

SturgiS rider dailyfriday, aug. 8, 2014 page 3

So what’s with channeling the 70’s? Are you living in the past?Actually, it’s the 60’s & 70’s! I think maybe I do live in the past a little bit and to be honest, I liked the 60’s & 70’s much better than I like these stinking 2000’s! It used to be about Peace & Love and now it’s every idiot out to beat you out of something, anything they can!

You promote riding AND partying. Is that a consistent message for bikers? Sure it is, or at least it should be! First of all, partying does not necessarily mean getting drunk. I like to have a good time as much as the next guy and I don’t drink. But even if you do drink, there is nothing wrong with riding and partying as long as you don’t drink in excess. I hate it when somebody drinks too much and tries to ride a motorcycle or drive a car. We try to monitor it here at Strokers IceHouse and not allow people to break the law.

When did you last have a haircut?I have been seeing the same hair lady for 35 years. Once a month I go in for a conditioning and she trims the dead ends, which are caused from riding. But, I have not had an actual haircut for 20 years and I don’t plan to ever have another one. They’re too expensive, I can’t afford a haircut.

I understand you like to golf. A long-haired hippie biker on the golf course? Isn’t that a mixed metaphor?It kinda is, because when I play golf I wear my tie-dye tee shirt and Chuck Taylors! Most of the courses around here know me so it’s cool with them. I think I’m like a freak show to them and the other golfers, so it’s ok with them and I don’t mind.

What honor or award has meant the most to you? Why?I gotta tell ya, this ride that I have been on for the last 20 years has been more than I ever could have dreamed. It’s amazing to me that people come from all over the country and even internationally to see me and Strokers Dallas. I grew up riding and worshiping motorcycles and I am truly living my dream. Also, getting inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame is a HUGE honor for this “Lucky Chump from Texas”! But my favorite honor…is becoming a Grandpa!

What bike do you wish you had but don’t?I wish I still had the very first new motorcycle that I ever bought, a 1973 Honda CL100. I customized that bike for dirt riding on the weekends and easily transformed it back to a street bike so I could ride it to school during the week. At 15 years old I could wheelie that bike from Dallas to Houston! Yeah, I wish I still had it.

What question do you least like to be asked?“What happened to your show?” ‘Nuff said there.

Tell me something people don’t know about you?Well, let’s see, you already know that I play golf and that I don’t drink. But most people don’t know that I get to work every day, 8 days a week at 4:00 AM and I go to bed at 9:00 PM, EVERY DAY, and I NEVER take a day off. I also haven’t missed a day of work in 39 years. No wonder I’m half goofy!

Ya’ll come see me!

5 minuteS With riCk fairleSSStrokerS dallaS, StrokerS iCe houSe, rf CuStom partS, StrokerS ink

SturgiS rider daily friday, aug. 8, 2014 page 4

“Riding is what fuels my innovativeness. All my engineering is done behind those handlebars,” said Kiwi Mike Tomas (right) with his RTW buddy Greg Johnson.

SturgiS rider daily

ContributorsChris Yushta, Jordan Axtman, Christine Paige Diers, Paul Mitchell, Aaron Packard, Jessica Nelson, Rachael Omps, Mary Panerio, Kurt Shaw, Marilyn Stemp. Other material contributed by staff of the Rapid City Journal.CirculationThe Sturgis Rider® Daily is published eight consecutive days during the Sturgis Rally. 9500 copies are distributed each day at 70 locations in the Black Hills and to campers at the Buffalo Chip.

DisclaimerThe Sturgis Rider® Daily neither endorses nor warrants the products or services of advertisers, nor does it warrant the completeness or accuracy of the data provided herein. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publishers, advertisers, editors, contributors, or their agents. Sturgis Rider® is a registered trademark owned by Rod Woodruff. Reproduction or transmission of content herein, in whole or part, without expressed written consent is not permitted.

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Co-PublishersSturgis Buffalo ChipRapid City Journal

EditorMarilyn Stemp

Advertising SalesRapid City JournalPaul Mitchell, Sturgis Buffalo Chip

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It’s billed as the ultimate riding adventure—two men riding Round The World (RTW). In 2012, Kiwi Mike Tomas and Greg Johnson rode from California to the east coast on vintage Indians, and it was such a great adventure they’ve decided to continue it. “This thing was born when we did the Ride to the Wall with the Coast Guard bike in 2012,” said Mike. That was the year Kiwi built one of five armed services tribute bikes that convened at Rolling Thunder’s 25th anniversary in

Washington D.C. Mike was the only builder of the five who rode his bike to the event from his home in Riverside, CA, to the east coast. His buddy Greg decided to ride along then on his 1936 Indian handling logistics. “We had so much fun that we had this brain fart to keep it going,” said Kiwi. “That’s where our RTW adventure came from.” Their RTW trip is configured as a perpetual event—there’s a beginning but no end. They’ll take four to six weeks at a time riding in locations all over the globe. Both men have met with challenges in their own lives and their

goal is to inspire people to live life to the fullest. They’ll start in New Zealand, Mike’s native country. “I know the people and the lay of the land,” he said. The gas is just like in America and the water is clean.” Mike built two Indian Chiefs for the journey from the frame up. “The frames were stripped and straightened, every single nut, washer, and bushing, has been replaced,” he said. They were intentionally built identically so their parts are interchangeable. The ballistic saddlebags are made by Al Jesse from Phoenix, who makes these bags for other intrepid world adventurers. Greg and Mike learned about them through Horizons Unlimited, a group for people that want to, are, or have ridden around the world. They’ve met riders from the group and have gone to meetings to gather input and advice. After New Zealand, the plan is to head

to South America. “We want to do it properly, be immersed in the culture, eat the food, meet the people,” said Mike. Added Greg, “That’s our vision; to challenge ourselves in a new country, get to know the people, learn the history, ride the most dangerous roads. We have a magnificent synergy when we travel.” And a good partnership is vital; Mike is the mechanical guy and Greg handles logistics. Explained Mike, “I shoot from the hip and he says: we gotta figure out how to do this!” Mike said he is motivated by something a friend told him. “It was 1989 when I started my business full time. I’d look at my buddy Rocky who had a parts business and he’d close up for two weeks and go to Daytona. I’d think, how can you do that and stay in business?” said Mike. “Rocky told me, ‘I got in the motorcycle business to ride motorcycles.’ And that always stuck with me!” Both admit that in the end, it’s about the adventure, that’s really what’s behind this. “People have to have a game in life and the game is to get up in the morning and do something,” said Mike. “You gotta dream about something. How many people retire and kick the bucket? That’s because they don’t have a game anymore.” So Mike and Greg have put a game in place for themselves and it’s only going to end when they decide to end it. “That’s the point,” said Greg. “We’re not gonna quit until we can’t do it anymore.”

riding the diStanCe With purpoSekiWi mike and greg go round the World

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SturgiS rider dailyfriday, aug. 8, 2014 page 5

Dennis Knepp is one of the six handlers for the Budweiser Clydesdale horses, which have become an iconic symbol of the popular beer and are in Western South Dakota for the Rally. Knepp of Loogootee, IN, grew up on a farm around horses and has spent the past decade traveling the nation alongside the Clydesdales. Knepp and 10 of the Budweiser Clydesdales are staying at the Buffalo Chip Crossroads, including Rascal (pictured here), who jumped the fence in the 2014 Super Bowl commercial, “Puppy Love.” We caught up with Knepp and asked him five questions about his job and experiences at the rally.

How often have you been to the rally and what do you enjoy about it? This is the first time I’ve been here since 2008. I just love getting to see all the cool bikes that people ride.

What’s it like to take care of such famous horses? It’s good. They’re big babies that are fun to be around. You actually look forward to getting up in the morning and cleaning their stalls and just working around them.

What do you think is the biggest appeal of the Clydesdales? They’re so majestic, everyone just seems to loves them.

What is the toughest aspect of caring for the horses? That’s a tough question. Occasionally they do get riled up, like when you’re driving or when the crowd cheers really loudly. It’s hard to pull ‘em in.

What is your favorite part of working with horses? They don’t talk back! (laughs.) No seriously, they’re just gentle giants and are a joy to be around.

Canada native Len Edmondson sold his multi-million dollar construction company in 2010 to work full time on the business he created in 2004 — Azzkikr Customs — building high-end, luxury custom motorcycles. Edmondson can now be seen on the History Channel series Biker Battleground Phoenix, which follows five builders who compete to design and build the coolest custom bikes. That’s what brought Edmondson to Sturgis for the rally.

How many Sturgis rallies have you been to? I’ve been to 23 rallies, and 14 in a row now. Being an enthusiast and a builder, if you’re going to do one show during the year, this is the one you’re going to do.

How else do you spend your time in South Dakota and at the rally? I used to get out and about all the time, but for the last few years it’s just been too intense. Friday is the first day in five years I’ll be able to go out and enjoy it, and we’ll hit Wyoming then ride the back way through Spearfish Canyon on the way back and see Hill City.

Why do you keep coming back to the rally? You create friendships out here during the week, and if you don’t consistently come back every year or if you just come to one,

then you’re not experiencing it. In May, the people I’ve met throughout the years will start posting on Facebook and social media seeing who’s all coming back, so you find friends through the industry. We’re going to keep coming back until we die. That’s what the rally is about.

What’s your favorite moment as a designer and builder? In my industry, the moment that sticks out to me is winning the Baddest Bagger competition last year at the rally. It was a point of recognition — to win that over all of the other builders was a highlight.

horSing around azzkikr CuStomS’

len edmondSon

Dennis Knepp is one of the six handlers for the Budweiser Clydesdale horses, which have become an iconic symbol of the popular beer and are in Western South Dakota for the rally.

Canada native Len Edmondson sold his multi-million dollar construction company in 2010 to work full time on the business he created in 2004 — Azzkikr Customs.

Riding Time: Three HoursTotal Distance = 62 milesBegins and ends in Hill City

Highlights: Cathedral Spires, Mt. Rushmore, Iron Mountain Road

Skill Level: Moderate to Advanced

The Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway is the most popular ride in the Black Hills because of its diversity and stunning scenery, highlighted by Mt. Rushmore National Memorial. The ride begins and ends in Hill City and is 62 miles long. Because of the numerous places to stop, most local riders consider this an all-day trip.

Head out of Hill City on Hwy 385 south. In a few miles you’ll see the turn off to Mt. Rushmore. Keep going on 385 just a few hundred feet and turn left onto Hwy 87. Custer State Park is three more miles, while Sylvan Lake Resort and the Needles Highway will be six miles ahead.

These next six miles will test your riding abilities. The road is smooth with no shoulders, but has six slanted switchbacks, all going uphill. In four miles you’ll ride through the first of six

tunnels on the Norbeck Ride and in another mile you’ll be at Sylvan Lake a popular stop for food and drink. Sylvan Lake is in a beautiful setting in which the reflection of the spires on the mirror-like water offers memorable photo opportunities.

The next 14 miles of Hwy 87 is called the Needles Highway, named after the forest of granite cathedral spires and jagged pinnacles alongside the roadway. At the “Needles Eye” (a granite spire with a slit only three to four feet wide but reaches 30-40 feet in the air), you’ll ride through a longer second tunnel. Because of he high volume of traffic on this highway and the one-way configuration of tunnels, this bottleneck can create short delays. The scenery is breathtaking here, however, and a short stop is a must.

The 14-mile Needles Highway offers spectacular panoramic views of the Cathedral Spires and Southern Black Hills, with the plains of western South Dakota, the Badlands and the northwest Nebraska panhandle painting the backdrop.

Follow Hwy 16 and in a few miles you will see the State Game Lodge, which served as the “Summer White House” of President Calvin Coolidge in 1927 when he came to Mount Rushmore to dedicate the memorial. Continue past the Game Lodge and a few hundred feet past the east gate to Custer State Park, is Iron Mountain Road, probably one of the most

unique 17 miles of roadway in America featuring four tunnels, 320 curves, three pigtail bridges, buffalo herds and begging donkeys. This famous road in which the tunnels face Mt. Rushmore is without a doubt the highlight of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway ride.

Iron Mountain Road starts out with some sharp curves, but quickly levels off into wide open stretches. You will go through three tunnels on this road. You’ll also ride two sections of the Pigtail Bridges. When you reach 244, turn left and Mt. Rushmore will be on the right in only two miles. The first glimpse of this majestic mountain will take your breath away as you round the curve in front of the towering heads. This National Monument is something everyone should experience personally to appreciate its awe-inspiring grandeur.

Turn left from the parking area. There are plenty of turn-offs along this stretch to take advantage of this panoramic scenery...the first one offering a unique profile view of George Washington’s image. Further down Hwy 244 on the left is Horse Thief Lake. You will eventually run into Hwy 385 where you will turn right back to Hill City.

SturgiS rider daily friday, aug. 8, 2014 page 6

Best of Show at the Cycle Source Nighttime Chopper Show Wednesday was Greg Theis of SW Recycling whose screaming yellow flattie grabbed the judges’ attention.

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SturgiS rider dailyfriday, aug. 8, 2014 page 7

Given the choice, most bikers would ride their own motorcycles to the Sturgis Rally. But given obstacles such as health issues and time constraints it’s not always possible. It’s easy to judge trailer queens harshly but what’s the point? The more people and bikes at the rally, the more fun it is for all of us. Of course you can rent a bike here in the Black Hills. Franchised dealerships of all stripes and companies such as EagleRider make it easy to do, a total no-brainer. Just make a reservation, show up and ride. If you prefer to have your own bike at the rally but simply don’t have the time to ride from a far distance, there are options here,

too. Keyboard Transport has partnered with the Buffalo Chip to provide bike shipping, airport pickup, safe keeping of your bike each night if you choose, even servicing of your bike so it’s ready to ride. This is a fairly new partnership that just keeps getting better and more comprehensive. Plans are also in the works at the Chip to partner with tour companies that offer all-inclusive trips complete with ride guides, all amenities and, of course, the experience of the best party anywhere™ at the Buffalo Chip during the Sturgis Rally. Stay tuned and watch www.buffalochip.com for more.

Keyboard Motorcycle Transport has specially designed dollies and trucks to keep bikes super safe in transit.

rent, Ship or ride?Whatever it takeS, find a Way to ride at the rally

All week long, between performances by the likes of the Cult, ZZ Top and Motley Crue, the Miss Buffalo Chip contestants have strutted the stage in the hopes of being chosen as the Chip’s spokesmodel for the next year. Final selection will be announced Saturday night. Meanwhile, here’s a look.

miSS Buffalo Chip

SturgiS rider daily Friday, aug. 8, 2014 Page 8 SturgiS rider dailyFriday, aug. 8, 2014 Page 9

This is one that’s going to be tough to top. The Buffalo Chip’s Freedom Celebration yesterday had all the right stuff: military heroes, motorcycles, spectacle, beautiful riding roads, an appreciative audience, dignitaries, and heartfelt compassion. The day began in Spearfish with the inaugural Freedom Ride, including a performance by the USAF Academy’s band Wild Blue Country and a ride led by Jason Redman, retired Navy SEAL, author and philanthropist. Spectacle was provided compliments of the imposing Budweiser Clydesdales parading from the Crossroads into the amphitheater

carrying recipients of the Bob Hanson Distinguished Service Awards: Jason Redman, Marine Master Sgt. William “Spanky” Gibson , Debbie Lee, Richard Marcinko and Kim Dozier. Bob Hanson, the namesake of the award, was present as well, wearing the very same Army Cavalry uniform in which he was discharged in the 1940’s. Once Buffalo Chip President Rod Woodruff enlisted Hanson’s help in conferring the awards on the recipients, Four-Star General Wesley Clark stepped up to address the audience. General Clark ended his thoughts this way:

“This country was built by people who came from somewhere else, and none of us amounted to much when we came here. America was built by people just like us who had guts, courage, and drive, and we believe in this country. These men and women on this stage, the veterans out here, and all of you are here because you believe in America, so let’s hear it for this country!”

Photo Credits: Aaron Packard, Jordan Axtman and Chris Yushta.

Some things have all the right elements: the Clydesdale Freedom Parade escorting military heroes and dignitaries from the CrossRoads to the Chip Amphitheater certainly did! The awesome spectacle stopped everyone in their tracks and produced one of the best photo ops at the 2014 Sturgis Rally, hands down!

Freedom Celebration 2014Freedom ride

The first-ever Freedom Ride, held in conjunction with the Buffalo Chip’s Freedom Celebration, met up in Spearfish and continued on to the Buffalo Chip for a day of riding and remembering. The USAF Academy’s band Wild Blue Country played, and rider donations benefited Wounded Wear/Jumping for a Purpose, Navy Special Warfare Kids, America’s Mighty Warriors and the Community Living Center at Fort Meade VA Medical Center. Nicely attended and presented with heart, this is one Rally ride that’s certain to become a mainstay.

SturgiS rider daily Friday, aug. 8, 2014 Page 10

She might not look like any 10-year-old you know, but it’s a fact: Miss Chippie, the recognizable sculpture in the Buffalo Chip amphitheater, has been on her perch for 10 years as of 2014. Designed and built by Har V and his son Adam, Miss Chippie has been up close and personal with hundreds, no thousands, of campers at the Chip in the last decade. It’s just something you have to do: climb aboard and have a picture taken. For those less intrepid, there’s a stationary bike in front of Miss

Chippie and ladies are often encouraged to pose there along with Chippie. We’re betting you have your own Miss Chippie memories in pixels or film. If so, post that image on the Chip’s Facebook page, to Twitter or Instagram and tag the Chip. Twitter: @TheChip. Instagram: @SturgisBuffaloChip. You can also post using one of these hashtags: #Sturgis2014 or #BuffaloChip. Say happy birthday to Miss Chippie by posting your own pictures with her. Come on: show us yours!

MiSS ChiPPie turnS ten

Two classes met in the North American Hillclimbers Association (NAHA) meet today at the new PowerSports Complex. Logan Cipola took the win in 450 class. Tyler Cardwell dominated in the 451-700 class. Rough and tumble NAHA meets are not

for the timid. Rip-roaring racing continues in two more classes today. The Buffalo Chip PowerSports Complex is open to the public and separately ticketed. Visit www.BuffaloChip.com. Advance tickets are $20 each for Hillclimbs.

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SturgiS rider dailyFriday, aug. 8, 2014 Page 11

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SturgiS rider daily Friday, aug. 8, 2014 Page 12

Four wheels just might be four times the fun. At least that’s the word from competitors in AMA-sanctioned ATV Extreme Dirt Track Racing. Round 5 of the National Championship series happens Friday and Saturday, August 8-9, at the new Buffalo Chip PowerSports Complex (PSC) and with 4 races yet to go, anything can happen in the quest for the $10,000 championship prize. Employing body English typical of two-wheeled racers, ATV competitors must also tackle obstacles, moguls and unexpected directional changes. The unanticipated comes into play more prominently here in Sturgis, as racers learn to maneuver the ups and downs of the PSC’s brand new track. In ATV racing, sideways is a way of life and going airborne is predictable. So you can count on hair-raising action and plenty of excitement as rugged rivals from across the country fight to the finish for a foothold on the championship. “It’s a new adventure for us and the beginning of a great partnership,” said Kyle Pritchard founder and owner of Extreme Promotions and Races. He said there was a tremendous amount of communication over the past few months with the Buffalo Chip’s Rod Woodruff and TORC’s BJ Birtwell to put plans in place. “Woody is the key player in making all of this happen,” he said. Pritchard’s company markets and organizes events for sanctioning bodies like the AMA. “We enjoy and respect our partnership with the AMA,” he said. “They have years of experience and knowledge and we take it to the next level by turning it into an event for spectators to come and enjoy.” The ATVs will be using only about one third of the TORC track. They’ll make changes to it, adding a split lane so racers have options.

Something that Pritchard says ups the stakes is that, according to their rules, no radio spotters are allowed on the track so its just the racer’s own adrenaline pumping into his or hers racer’s veins, that result in spur of the moment split second decisions, for unpredictable action and excitement. Racing is open to both men and women, and the women’s class has been experiencing the most growth year after year. “Guys and gals who win are licensed and nationally ranked in their classes,” explained Pritchard. “When they perform well it can be a golden ticket. Our racers are the cream of the crop.” This type of racing has been around since the ‘70’s when 3-wheelers first came out. It was also originally dominated by 2 strokes but is now dominated by 4 strokes. Manufacturer’s production changes necessitated that the sport adjust and it has. “The key factors in our sport: adrenaline is number one, action is number two and of course you have the thrills that bring racing to a whole new level,” said Pritchard. “The hillclimb is spectacular, the tractor pull is spectacular, the TORC trucks are amazing. Each one of us offers something different and unique.” AMA Extreme Dirt Track ATV racing takes place in both pro and amateur classes with heats on the 8th and mains on the 9th. All events at the Buffalo Chip PowerSports Complex are open to the public and separately ticketed. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.BuffaloChip.com. Advance tickets are $15 each.

ChaMPionShiP atV raCing CoMeS to the ChiPadrenaline PaCked buMPS and grindS on taP

AMA Extreme Dirt Track ATV Races

Friday, August 8 and Saturday, August 9 – 12:00 to 7:30 PM

Buffalo Chip PowerSports Complex

SturgiS rider dailyFriday, aug. 8, 2014 Page 13

thingS you don’t know about the rat’S hole Show5

Over 1000cc Radical: T.D. Ward

Extreme Bagger: Brian Jenkins Full Dresser: Shane Wittenberg

Bobber: Danny Gumm

Over 1000cc Super Radical: Matt Harris

Best of Show: Brian Jenkins

ted SMith, owner, rat’S hole CuStoM bike Show1. Our founder, “Big Daddy Rat” started printing T-shirts in 1952 and started the bike shows in Daytona Beach in 1973. It is the longest running custom bike show in the country.

2. The Rat’s Hole competition is open to anyone that has a kool [sic] bike. We have 16 classes with almost 60 trophies.

3. All of the Rat’s Hole awards are hand sculpted, signed and numbered by Ted Smith (Big Daddy Rat’s son).

4. The Rat’s Hole brings in their international judging team to judge the bikes. With almost 300 points scored on each bike, the bike gets truly judged by the best of the best.

5. The Best of Show bike will be printed on thousands of draft beer mugs and the cover of the Buffalo Chip calendar for the 75th anniversary show at the Legendary Buffalo Chip.

toP rat’S hole Show winnerS It’s the Bike Show of Bike Shows, the world famous Rat’s Hole. And as if that isn’t enough the rat crew stepped it up by adding Big Daddy Rat’s Black Hills Bagger Showdown to the mix showcaseing these popular models. There were two classes in the Black Hills Bagger Showdown, too: Full Dresser and Extreme Bagger. Of course the Rat’s Hole Show is known for having a wide variety of classes; the total was 16 in Sturgis. We’re showing you the most hotly contested classes here. To see the winning bikes in all the classes visit www.ratshole.com

SturgiS rider daily Friday, aug. 8, 2014 Page 14

“It takes a big team and a lot of hours to design and build a modern day TORC track like this that will test the capabilities of 900 horsepower trucks,” said BJ Birtwell, President of The Off-Road Championship (TORC). Lucky for us, all it takes to reap the benefits of the track at the Buffalo Chip’s new PowerSports Complex is showing up. This new venue brought grassroots racing in several forms back to the Sturgis Rally in a big way, amping up the presence of straight-up, pulse-pumping competition. Action started with Outlaw Truck & Tractor Pulls, then continued with TORC, Nitro National Pro Hillclimbs and AMA Extreme ATV Dirt Track Racing. But it’s the partnership between the Chip and TORC that anchored the effort. “Jeff Nordstrom our Chief of Track Operations, had a blank canvas to work with thanks to Woody,” said Birtwell. Even before TORC racing began on Tuesday there was a dose of healthy fear among the drivers. Any new track takes some getting used to but the way this one was constructed, using the natural terrain to advantage, would test drivers’ capabilities. Healthy fear is wrapped in enthusiasm for Scott Douglas, an 11-time TORC champion. Douglas has raced both long-term endurance and short course sprints and it’s clear he appreciates a challenge but approaches with respect. “In this kind of racing, (short course sprints) you give it everything you’ve got for 20 minutes and see how you come out in the end,” he said. “It’s head to head, door to door, wheel to wheel in

front of the crowd.” And for Douglas, the energy and excitement transfers from the crowd. Racing professionally since 1990, Douglas runs in the premiere class of TORC, the Pro Four 4-wheel drive trucks. The other two classes are Pro Tow 2-wheel and Pro Lite. “I love being behind the wheel racing but I love even more the reaction of fans when I get to interact with them. It never gets old. I love what I do.” And why wouldn’t he? He gets to take a 4,000-pound, 900-horsepower truck and fly it 150-foot distances, 15 feet in the air! His current truck has an all wheel drive, 420 c.i. motor, and it’s all hand made with billet blocks. It’s that handcrafted aspect of these race vehicles that makes Douglas believe TORC racing and bikers are natural allies. “Like custom bike builders, we take pride in our craftsmanship, how our vehicles perform, and we’re innovative. There’s a fairly open slate related to design and specifications on the Pro 4s. There are some rules on the engines, some rules on the width, some rules on the wheelbase but it’s otherwise very loose. Limitations are placed on front and rear wheel travel but teams can decide how you get there, how the weight is distributed. Most teams experiment with adjustments to get the competitive edge. “We’re trying different things constantly to get the weight balances perfect. These are all wheel drive trucks so we’re constantly playing with the differentials to get an edge on how we can hook up all four of these

wheels and get to that first corner faster,” said Douglas. “That’s what is so great about this facility and being here at the Chip because nothing’s predictable over there with the concerts, the crowds and new things always going on. So this fits!” Douglas makes a good point: In TORC racing, like biking—and especially biking during the Sturgis Rally—anything can happen. “And,” he continued, “the only thing we know for sure is that all of us aren’t quite right!” I’m okay with that. How about you?

torC raCinga driVerS Point oF View

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You’re here at the Sturgis Rally, livin’ the dream, on vacation with several hundred thousand of your closest friends. It’s tough to fit in all the fun you want to have, and that’s understandable. But take this advice: get yourself over to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame for one of the best hours (or two) you’ll spend at the rally. Why do we say that? Because as much as we love the party, and we do, there’s no question that we’re connected as riders through the history of motorcycling. Learning about what came before not only helps us appreciate what we have now but it also insures the story will continue. So stop in to chat with the Museum staff, learn about the Hall of Fame members, and see some of the epic bikes on display.

While you’re there, snag a chance in one of the two ongoing raffles designed to support the Museum’s building campaign. One drawing is for a Henry Big Boy Rifle and the other has a variety of prizes including a mini bike and an autographed guitar. Tickets are on sale on the corner of Main & Junction throughout the rally.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame

At the corner of Junction and Main in Sturgis

Open 8:00 AM to 8:00 PMduring the Rally

the SturgiS MotorCyCle MuSeuM & hall oF FaMe

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TEn MoST PoPulAR FiREARMSBy Rory Hynes

10. PKM Kalashnikov9. Colt Browning 19118. H&K MP57. FAL6. H&K G35. Armalite AR-154. RPG-73. UZI2. Remington Pump-action Shotgun1. AK-47

liST luST

laSt night’S ConCert

The hook is in: fans of Train are still humming those catchy songs today after the band’s solid performance last night at the Buffalo Chip, a first for the Chip and for Train. Photo by Jordan Axtman.

In the Buffalo Chip Sturgis Rider Sweepstakes, many entered but only one was chosen. And the winner will roll home a Cory Ness custom Victory 8-Ball painted by Kirk Taylor, that comes with a matching Les Paul Studio Epiphone guitar.

As their name suggests, it was pop music with an edge from Pop Evil.. Photo by Jordan Axtman.